The Ministry of Labour and Employment (MoLE) on January 12, 2026, issued a notification regarding the Aadhaar-Based Identity Verification for Availing Benefits under the Pradhan Mantri Viksit Bharat Rozgar Yojana.
This notification emphasizes the importance of using Aadhaar as a means of establishing identity to ensure efficient, transparent, and convenient delivery of government subsidies, benefits, and services. Aadhaar reduces the need for multiple identity documents and streamlines administrative processes. In this context, the Government of India highlights its relevance for implementing employment-related incentive schemes.
The Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO), under the Ministry of Labour and Employment, administers the Pradhan Mantri Viksit Bharat Rozgar Yojana. Under this scheme, incentives are provided to first-time employees as per prescribed guidelines. To ensure that these benefits reach genuine beneficiaries, the government intends to make Aadhaar-based identity verification a condition for availing benefits.
Accordingly, under Section 7 of the Aadhaar Act, beneficiaries are required either to authenticate their Aadhaar number or furnish proof of Aadhaar possession. Individuals who do not yet have an Aadhaar number must apply for enrolment. The EPFO is responsible for facilitating enrolment or updating Aadhaar details, including by coordinating with registrars or setting up enrolment centres at convenient locations.
Until an Aadhaar number is assigned, beneficiaries aged 18 years or above may establish their identity using an Aadhaar enrolment acknowledgement (EID) along with one valid photo identity document. The notification lists a wide range of acceptable documents, such as voter ID, passport, driving licence, educational certificates, disability certificates, and specific documents for foreign nationals, children under institutional care, or individuals with legal guardians.
Designated officers of the Ministry are tasked with verifying the validity of Aadhaar enrolment and checking supporting documents, including through coordination with other government authorities. To ensure smooth implementation, the Ministry must also publicize Aadhaar requirements widely so that beneficiaries are fully aware of the process.
The notification further provides safeguards to prevent denial of benefits due to authentication failures. If biometric authentication fails, alternative methods such as OTP-based authentication or offline verification using Aadhaar QR codes or paperless e-KYC may be used. An exception-handling mechanism is mandated to ensure that genuine beneficiaries are not deprived of benefits due to technical or procedural issues.
[Notification No. S.O. 168(E)]
